Choose Ohio First Grant
Grants of $3,000 are available to students who are Ohio residents and a female or ethnic minority in STEM, or a male in nursing. Must visit campus and apply to Bluffton University by Dec. 1.
Science
solving problems creatively
Are you always asking “Why?” “How does that work?” “Would it work better if…?”
At Bluffton, your professors will encourage you to ask questions. And to discover answers. Bluffton’s science programs feature hands-on curriculum, active student organizations and one-on-one assistance obtaining relevant research experiences.
With dedicated Ph.D. professors personally invested in the individual success of each student. Bluffton science majors are prepared for advanced study and a variety of career paths.
Sighting optometry school
“I’ve learned a million and one things and feel very prepared for graduate school
interviews.”
- Brooke Barnes ’24
Med lab apprentice
“I’m learning about the tests, why we’re running them and what you can assume based
on results.”
- Elijah Lundquest ’25
Chemistry and coaching
“The professors are always very helpful. If I have a question, they’ll answer it.
They might answer it with another question though.”
- J.T. Taviano
Majors and Minors
Bluffton also offers majors in the health sciences of nursing, dietetics, and speech-language pathology and audiology.
Take a broad range of courses focusing on cellular and molecular biology, genetics, microbes, invertebrates, plants and humans. Independent study/research opportunities exist at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve and the Little Riley Creek which flows through campus.
A major in biology will serve as a basis for entering fields such as teaching, environmental biologist, medical professions and agriculture.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
for a major in biology >
for a minor in biology >
Complete a major in biology in four year with the following guidelines.
Biology, beginning even year >
Biology, beginning odd year >
Biology /pre-medicine double major, beginning even year >
Biology /pre-medicine double major, beginning odd year >
Biology/pre-physical therapy double major >
Bluffton’s chemistry major includes a strong emphasis in the core areas of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment was signed in 2019. Green chemistry minimizes the toxicity of materials and reduces waste in chemical processes.
Work with a faculty member to gain hands-on experience. Former students have worked on several ongoing environmental-chemistry and analytical/instrumentation projects.
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
Major in chemistry >
Minor in chemistry >
Complete a major in chemistry in four year with the following guidelines.
Chemistry, beginning even year >
Chemistry, beginning odd year >
Chemistry/pre-med double major even year >
Chemistry/pre-med double major odd year
The Bluffton University Nature Preserve serves as a learning laboratory for increased understanding of sustainability and native plant restoration.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.”
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
Major in environmental science >
Complete a major in environmental science in four years with these guidelines.
Environmental science, beginning even year>
Environmental science, beginning odd year >
Prepare for a career as a scientist who conducts and reads medical tests in hematology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and blood/urine/body fluid chemistry.
The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program is offered in coordination with the West Central Ohio Medical Laboratory Science Program. From 2020-2023 WCOMLS program had a 100 percent graduation rate and 100 percent placement rate.
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
Major in medical laboratory science
Complete a major in medical laboratory science in four years with the following guidelines.
Medical laboratory science, beginning even year >
Medical laboratory science, beginning odd year
More about the Bluffton/WCOMLS medical laboratory science program >
You will receive core preparation in physics, with complementary training in mathematics, chemistry and computer science. Physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science students often work closely together for research, classroom projects and outreach opportunities.
A Bluffton physics degree is a good foundation for graduate work leading to a career
in engineering.
Career opportunities in physics >
EXPLORE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
a physics major
Complete a major in physics in four year with the following guidelines.
Gain the skills to creatively solve real-world problems. Choose between a pre-engineering major preparing for graduate studies or a collaborative program with Wright State University leading to a degree in electrical engineering.
Pre-engineering students take a blend of courses from the mathematics and physics departments. Students can opt for a second major or minor to prepare for an engineering specialization such as chemical, biomechanical, computer, etc.
More about engineering studies at Bluffton >
Collaborative electrical engineering program >
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
a pre-engineering major
Complete a major in pre-engineering in four year with the following guidelines.
A pre-medicine major will prepare you for medical school with a combination of chemistry, biology and physics courses. Medical schools do not require a pre-medicine major. Most Bluffton graduates who have entered health professions have majored in biology, chemistry or both.
More about the pre-med major at Bluffton >
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR:
a pre-medicine major
Complete a major in pre-medicine in four year with the following guidelines.
Physical therapists help people maintain or regain the ability to move and perform
daily functional activities. A pre-physical therapy major is a combination of biology,
chemistry, math, physics and psychology courses. Physical therapists must earn a doctorate
degree and pass a licensure exam to practice.
EXPLORE THE COURSES REQUIRED FOR A
Major in pre-physical therapy >
Complete a pre-physical therapy major in four years with the following guidelines.
Physical therapists must earn a doctorate degree and pass a licensure exam before they can practice. A bachelor’s degree in pre-physical therapy can prepare you for post-graduate education opportunities.
While admission requirements to physical therapy postgraduate programs differ, Bluffton’s pre-physical therapy major, with 56 credit hours in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, social sciences and health fitness and sport science, will be a good start. Your advisor will work closely with you to meet all prerequisites for the physical therapy program you choose.
You will also work with the Center for Career and Vocation to obtain 40-60 hours of hands-on experience through volunteer work or observation with a licensed PT. Most doctoral programs require experience and a letter of recommendation from a licensed PT.
Excite the next generation of scientists as middle or high school science teacher. You may select a science concentration as a middle childhood education major. To teach in the high school, you would complete a degree in the sciences with an education studies minor.
Middle childhood license
Teach science in grades 4-9
The middle childhood license requires concentration in two areas. Many students choose a science and math combination because there is some overlap in requirements, but science can also be combined with language arts or social studies.
Middle childhood teachers are not required to complete a science major. Rather, they
complete a middle childhood education degree from the education department.
Alternative Pathway to Education Licensure
Teach science in grades 7-12
In addition to a major in the sciences, complete an education studies minor. With this minor, you will have completed requirements for the Intensive Pedagogical Program and be eligible to teach for four years. You must then complete the Professional Development Institute to earn a professional licensure.
More about the alternative pathway to licensure >
Why Bluffton?
The Knowlton Science Center, featuring teaching labs for chemistry, biology, nutrition
and dietetics opened fall 2023.- Science students pursue widely varying interests and activities including athletics.
- Be challenged in an intimate yet intense learning environment.
- Bluffton students have interned at the Cleveland Clinic and the National Institute of Health.
Choose Ohio First Grant
Grants of $3,000 are available to students who are Ohio residents and a female or ethnic minority in STEM, or a male in nursing. Must visit campus and apply to Bluffton University by Dec. 1.